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Shows, theatres & concerts

February

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To 19th April

Ages 9+

Secrets by Jacqueline Wilson

Treasure’s family is a bit mixed up so she is starting a new life with her Nan and she loves it, but will it last? It seems that India has got it all but her parents are so busy worrying about themselves they’ve forgotten all about her. When these two girls, from different backgrounds, find themselves making friends they discover they are not so different after all. They both escape from their problems by writing diaries. But when secrets start jumping out of the page and into real life Treasure & India find themselves in deep trouble..

Polka Theatre, Wimbledon

To Sat 23rd

 

Herge's Adventures of TinTin
The show tells the story of Tintin in Tibet, following its hero, his loyal dog Snowy & Captain Haddock as they battle to rescue their friend Chang, who has disappeared in a plane crash in the high Himalayas. With time running out, and rumours of the Yeti prowling the peaks, Tintin and friends have a real adventure in store. Children under 16 half price on top 2 price bands

Playhouse Theatre, Charing Cross

9th-9th March

 

Ages 5+

Lighten Up

What would happen if light wanted to come alive and people wanted to lighten up?  Five multi-talented performers use puppetry, mime and dance to take you on a journey of discovery about light in this dazzling new production. By exploring various light sources – including rope lights, fibre optics and theatre lighting – puppets are created, fabric paints the air with colour and lights develop their own personalities.

This exhilarating and innovative production radiates with energy and playfulness and is accompanied by a wonderfully rhythmic soundscape

Unicorn Theatre, Southwark

15th to Sun 24th

 

Zippo's Circus
A traditional big tent circus

Brent Cross, NW London

Sat 16th - to 10th April

 

Ages 13+

Baby Girl, DNA, The Miracle

Punchy, probing and vital, this trio of plays, each under an hour, have a finger on the pulse of today’s teen generation. With tales of unwanted pregnancy, group misdemeanours and life-changing events, they are cool, honest snapshots of life in the transition to adulthood

National Theatrel

Mon 18th - 22nd

 

Ages 4-11

 

Kids in Space Show

A great family show with the emphasis on learning through fun, Spacefund guide you through a tour around the solar system taking in all the sights; a reconstruction of Neil Armstrong's footstep, a hunt for alien life on Mars, a bombardment by asteroids, and built-to-scale planet balls that show just how our little Earth compares with its giant neighbours!

Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green

Mon 18th - Sun 24th

 

Ages 8+

 

Cloud Cuckooland

Swift and McFly are fed up with the dirty, stinking town that they live in. So they decide to found a new city in the sky with the Birds: Cloudcuckooland. But the Birds want revenge on the human race for destroying their habitat. Just how much damage can the strategic pooing of the entire bird community cause to mankind?!  Cloudcuckooland is a riotous hour of comedy, satire, music and clowning for all the family, performed by an ensemble of all-singing, all-dancing actor musicians

Riverside Studios, Hammersmith

Tues 19th - 23rd

 

Ages 2-6

Shadow Play

Shadow Play mixes music, dance and mime to take you on a wondrous journey through a world of endless possibilities and infinite inspiration

Lyric, Hammersmith

Tues 19th - 1st March

 

Ages 7+

A Midsummer night's Dream

With all the dark undercurrents of a traditional fairytale, Shakespeare weaves farce, slapstick, romance and revelry into what is perhaps his most joyous play. Performers speak, sing, fall over, play instruments, hit each other and dance to provide a perfect introduction to Shakespeare

Unicorn Theatre, Southwark

Wed 20th-Sun 24th

 

Ages 5+

Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's a spider. Wilbur's a pig. They live in a barn on the Zuckermans' farm, with all the other animals. They can talk, naturally, but what makes Charlotte special is that she's a spider who can write! Wilbur is happy at the Zuckermans' - until he discovers they're fattening him up for the dinner table! Find out how Charlotte's amazing talent saves Wilbur's bacon and how love and friendship win the day

Arts Depot, Finchley

22nd-24th

 

Brainiac Live

Strap on your safety goggles, boys and girls: science's greatest and most volatile show is here. Sky One's multi award-winning Brainiac arrives with a bang for the first time live on stage. Watch as we delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all of those weird and wonderful things on stage that you're too scared to do at home!

Hackney Empire

22nd-24th

 

Angelina's Star Performance

English National Ballet has recently performed in theatres including the Royal Albert Hall and the London Coliseum, as well as at the Palace of Versailles and Wembley Stadium (Concert for Diana). Now, you have the chance to see eight dancers from this world-renowned Company performing Angelina’s Star Performance at your local theatre.

Angelina Ballerina has been given the honour of putting on her very own performance of The Sleeping Beauty for the Queen in her splendid palace. It’s Angelina's biggest challenge yet… will she manage to pull it off?

Beck Theatre, Hayes

Sun 24th

 

Ages: 2-6

Icicyle Bicycle
Following their Grandma's footprints through the snow, two children tumble through a frosty hedgerow and discover the faded grandeur of an old circus tent. They enter a world of memories where balloon sellers, trapeze artists and high wire acrobats can become a possibility

Albany Theatre, Deptford

Tues 26th - Sat 1st March

 

Treasure Island

When young Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map in The Admiral Benbow Inn, he hands it over to Squire Trelawney. Seized with excitement, Trelawney sets sail with Jim in search of the island.  They are joined on the ship by a hand-picked crew and the ship’s cook, Long John Silver. But the one-legged Silver has a shocking secret in store and when they reach their destination, Jim faces the most dangerous and exciting adventure of his life!
 

Richmond Theatre

29th, 1st & 2nd March

 

Ages 7+

The Gentle Giant

On an island lives a strange and forbidding giant – the nearby villagers are wary of him, but is he the reason that fish can no longer be caught in the silver lake? Can the Stardust Seller help with magic dust? By accident, one young girl discovers that she can help the giant, and he in turn can help save the village. This charming story is at the heart of Gentle Giant, developed by Stephen McNeff and Mike Kenny from a book by former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo

The Royal Opera House

 

March

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1st & 2nd

 

Ages 7+

The Gentle Giant

On an island lives a strange and forbidding giant – the nearby villagers are wary of him, but is he the reason that fish can no longer be caught in the silver lake? Can the Stardust Seller help with magic dust? By accident, one young girl discovers that she can help the giant, and he in turn can help save the village. This charming story is at the heart of Gentle Giant, developed by Stephen McNeff and Mike Kenny from a book by former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo

The Royal Opera House

To 10th April

 

Ages 13+

Baby Girl, DNA, The Miracle

Punchy, probing and vital, this trio of plays, each under an hour, have a finger on the pulse of today’s teen generation. With tales of unwanted pregnancy, group misdemeanours and life-changing events, they are cool, honest snapshots of life in the transition to adulthood

National Theatre

To 19th April

Ages 9+

Secrets by Jacqueline Wilson

Treasure’s family is a bit mixed up so she is starting a new life with her Nan and she loves it, but will it last? It seems that India has got it all but her parents are so busy worrying about themselves they’ve forgotten all about her. When these two girls, from different backgrounds, find themselves making friends they discover they are not so different after all. They both escape from their problems by writing diaries. But when secrets start jumping out of the page and into real life Treasure & India find themselves in deep trouble..

Polka Theatre, Wimbledon

To 9th

 

Ages 5+

Lighten Up

What would happen if light wanted to come alive and people wanted to lighten up?  Five multi-talented performers use puppetry, mime and dance to take you on a journey of discovery about light in this dazzling new production. By exploring various light sources – including rope lights, fibre optics and theatre lighting – puppets are created, fabric paints the air with colour and lights develop their own personalities. This exhilarating and innovative production radiates with energy and playfulness and is accompanied by a wonderfully rhythmic soundscape

Unicorn Theatre, Southwark

Sat 1st

 

Ages 7+

A Midsummer night's Dream

With all the dark undercurrents of a traditional fairytale, Shakespeare weaves farce, slapstick, romance and revelry into what is perhaps his most joyous play. Performers speak, sing, fall over, play instruments, hit each other and dance to provide a perfect introduction to Shakespeare

Unicorn Theatre, Southwark

Sat 1st

 

Ages 3+

Muttnik: The First Dog in Space

Muttnik is a stray dog from Moscow on a mission to go where no other dog has been before. Watch her dance in zero gravity, fly a rocket and dig holes on the moon in this enchanting story of the first Russian space dog, told with puppets, performance and music

Lyric, Hammersmith

Sat 1st

 

Treasure Island

When young Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map in The Admiral Benbow Inn, he hands it over to Squire Trelawney. Seized with excitement, Trelawney sets sail with Jim in search of the island.  They are joined on the ship by a hand-picked crew and the ship’s cook, Long John Silver. But the one-legged Silver has a shocking secret in store and when they reach their destination, Jim faces the most dangerous and exciting adventure of his life!
 

Richmond Theatre

Sun 2nd

 

Ages 2-4

Circus Minimus

Every family is a circus - in lots of ways. There are toddling clowns, teenage lions, mums who spin plates and dads who fly by the seat of their pants. Circus Minimus puts our everyday life in the spotlight and takes you from the front garden into the dining room and then to bed. But it doesn't stop there, as we dive into dreams and fly up to the stars. Our circus puts you in the ring and let's you do your thing

Arts Depot, Finchley

Sun 2nd

Circus Hilarious presents Aquaphobia

Kids of the world have united and demanded the return of the bucket, so Clive and Danny have a ball getting themselves wet, the kids wet and the Mums and Dads wet – ONLY JOKING!  Don’t worry Grannies, you won’t get caught unless you really want to!  ACCIDEERRNT! Assisted in 2008 by resident funnyman Cousin Timoni, ex Olympic acrobat Ovi Ninja,
the stunning Circus Hilarious Dancers and loads more. Don’t miss the amazing routines from a host of international circus artistes. Enjoy the spectacle, the razzamatazz, the mayhem, the magic. But beware – too much laughter can ruin your clothing

Beck Theatre, Hayes

Sun 2nd

 

Ages: 5+

Dr Nose Travels Through Time
Thurtinkle is a much beloved storyteller from the land of the bug noses who live in a tiny TARDIS-like house that can actually travel through time. On his adventures he visits the Vikings, questions Queen Victoria, shakes hands with Shakespeare and takes tea with Tutankhamen

Albany Theatre, Deptford

5th - 8th

 

The Nutcracker

This classic Christmas story about a girl swept away to a magical dream world is full of Tchaikovsky’s memorable music – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers, Russian Dance and Decoration of the Christmas Tree March. This amazing production boasts stunning scenery with flying boats and magical special effects. Nutcracker will be performed by the critically acclaimed Chisinau National Ballet and international dancers

Richmond Theatre

Sat 8th

 

Ages 4+

Dr Nose Travels Through Time

Thurtinkle is from the land of the big noses. He lives in a tiny Tardis-like house that travels through time.  Visit Vikings, question Queen Victoria and shake hands with Shakespeare in a magical blend of storytelling, music and innovative puppetry

Lyric, Hammersmith

Sat 8th & 15th

 

Ages 6-11

 

Science Boffins In Space

Is there Gravity on Mars?  Is the Moon made of cheese?  What is the difference between meteors and meteorites? Find out the answer to these questions and more during Science Boffins' one-hour return flight on the starship Earth.  Discover strange new worlds, and how they differ from ours. 

Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green

Sat 8th & 15th

 

Ages 12+

 

The Truth About Space

Jerry Stone explains the mysteries of outer space in this series of talks. Find out amazing facts about Mars, the Moon landings, living in outer space, the future of space exploration, and bizarre facts about the history of space travel

Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green

Sun 9th

 

Ages: 4+

Hansel & Gretel
Hansel and Gretel’s journey takes them from a house with empty cupboards and a mother who doesn’t like children to a house made of sweets and someone who just loves children – on toast! A treat of a show

Albany Theatre, Deptford

11th to Sun 16th

 

Zippo's Circus
A traditional big tent circus

Chatham, Kent

Sat 15th

 

Ages 4+

The Sun Dragon

Follow the intergalactic adventures of Jacob, a boy who dreams of flying.
Jacob has just one night to save a distant world from darkness. It starts in his back garden one blustery autumn evening and ends 5 billion light years away on a planet filled with wonderful creatures and eccentric characters

Lyric, Hammersmith

Sun 16th

 

12 & 3pm

 

Ages 4+

Cabbages & Kings

This playful dance performace is set in an overgrown garden inhabited by an eccentric and extraordinary character who grows colourful ideas and where time doesn't always run according to the clock. Expect expressive gibberish and serious gobbledygook in this richly textured, visual and imaginative dance performance

Arts Depot, Finchley

19th to Sun 25th

 

Zippo's Circus
A traditional big tent circus

Blackheath, SE London

Sat 22nd

 

Ages 3+

The Elves & the Shoemaker

When two worlds meet — there’s magic!  Things aren’t going well for the shoemakers. They are hungry, cold and down to their last piece of leather for a pair of shoes. But help comes in a very unexpected way… Magic, music and puppets bring this enchanting story to life

Lyric, Hammersmith

Fri 28th - Sun 30th

Thomas & Friends Live

Hammersmith Appollo

30th

 

12 & 3pm

 

Ages 7-12

Professor Bumm's Story Machine

Professor Bumm and his assistant Doctor Whee invite you to the unveiling of their latest invention in this crackpot comedy of made-up madness. Mayhem, mirth and mess are guaranteed as the two eggheads race to turm words and ideas from the audience int original stories, hopefully with the help of their unpredictable new machine

 

The Arts Depot, Finchley

 

April

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To 10th

 

Ages 13+

Baby Girl, DNA, The Miracle

Punchy, probing and vital, this trio of plays, each under an hour, have a finger on the pulse of today’s teen generation. With tales of unwanted pregnancy, group misdemeanours and life-changing events, they are cool, honest snapshots of life in the transition to adulthood

National Theatre

To 19th

Ages 9+

Secrets by Jacqueline Wilson

Treasure’s family is a bit mixed up so she is starting a new life with her Nan and she loves it, but will it last? It seems that India has got it all but her parents are so busy worrying about themselves they’ve forgotten all about her. When these two girls, from different backgrounds, find themselves making friends they discover they are not so different after all. They both escape from their problems by writing diaries. But when secrets start jumping out of the page and into real life Treasure & India find themselves in deep trouble..

Polka Theatre, Wimbledon

6th

Ages: to age 14

From Russia With Music
Alex Prior, 14 year-old conductor, conducts this entire concert of revolutionary music by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Stravinsky and other Russian comrade composers, presented by Atarah. Beware the James Bond Music - we have ways of making the ballet dancers show their steppes in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Montagues and Capulets

Barbican

8th - 12th

 

Ages 2-4

Circus Minimus

Circus Minimus puts our everyday life in the spotlight, taking us from the front garden into the dining room and then to bed. But it doesn’t stop there as we dive into dreams and fly up to the stars and beyond. Our circus puts you in the ring and lets you do your thing

Lyric, Hammersmith

12th to 20th

 

Peter & The Wolf

A company of dancers, an orchestra and narrator thrillingly bring to life the classic story of brave Peter and his pursuit of the hungry wolf, aided by his friends the cat, the bird and the duck

Hackney Empire

15th - 3rd May

 

Ages 12+

Have Boy Will Travel

It’s hard being the king of the turntables when you live in South London and your African mother doesn’t understand her Hip from her Hop.  Charlie Dark’s new show Have Box Will Travel  is a rites of passage story that takes you from a bedroom in South London, round the world, and back again, with life-changing tracks and slick direction from Hip Hop theatre favourite Benji Reid

Lyric, Hammersmith

16th-19th

 

 

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant
Elmer is an adorable patchwork elephant who loves to play with his friends in the jungle. But Elmer is different – he is wonderfully multicoloured and this makes him a very special elephant indeed. The Birmingham Stage Company invites you to enjoy a host of adventures with Elmer and his friends, with silly songs, marvellous magic and multicoloured music

Bloomsbury Theatre

17th to Sun 22nd

 

Zippo's Circus
A traditional big tent circus

Herne Hill, SE London

 

May

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1st & 2nd

 

Ages 12+

Have Boy Will Travel

It’s hard being the king of the turntables when you live in South London and your African mother doesn’t understand her Hip from her Hop.  Charlie Dark’s new show Have Box Will Travel  is a rites of passage story that takes you from a bedroom in South London, round the world, and back again, with life-changing tracks and slick direction from Hip Hop theatre favourite Benji Reid

Lyric, Hammersmith

1st to 6th

 

Zippo's Circus
A traditional big tent circus

Mitcham, Surrey

8th to 13th

 

Zippo's Circus
A traditional big tent circus

Chiswick, W London

Sun 18th

2.30pm

Ages 7-12

LSO Discovery Family Concert: Russian Stories

Tall tales and long yarns from the mysterious tundra to the snowlands of Siberia. See characters from Russian folklore brought to life by the LSO.

Barbican
Sun 18th

1 & 6pm

Harlem Globetrotters
 

Wembley Arena

 

June

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12th - 14th

 

Ages 6+

 

The Emperor's New Kilt

Come with us to the Isle of Kiltie, an island just beyond the horizon that only clever people can see. The vain and tyrannical Laird of Kiltie owns everything in these parts, but he has only one true love, his clothes. More precisely,his kilts. In the lead up to the most important day in the Kiltie calendar, his birthday, the Laird wants for one thing, a new kilt ‘the likes of which has never been seen’. Enter Mr Harris and Mr Tweed, two dodgy weavers who give this gullible customer exactly what he asks for.
 

Watford palace Theatre

Wed 25th - Sat 28th

 

Ages 6+

 

The Emperor's New Kilt

Come with us to the Isle of Kiltie, an island just beyond the horizon that only clever people can see. The vain and tyrannical Laird of Kiltie owns everything in these parts, but he has only one true love, his clothes. More precisely,his kilts. In the lead up to the most important day in the Kiltie calendar, his birthday, the Laird wants for one thing, a new kilt ‘the likes of which has never been seen’. Enter Mr Harris and Mr Tweed, two dodgy weavers who give this gullible customer exactly what he asks for.
 

Richmond Theatre

29th

4pm

Children's Classic Concert: Atarah's Wizard Workshop
Bring an instrument of any shape or size to join in. Even the youngest members of the family can clap, sing and march to the band! Includes musical games and the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin, instrument quizzes (bring a pencil), young guest stars demonstrating their specialities, prizes for the best costumes, wizards, witches or fairies and DIY instrument-making, face painting and a steel band in the foyer

Barbican

 

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